If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

***Note there are a lot of links in this article that are outside of the WhiteBlaze site, I hope to keep them updated**

When planning to hike the Appalachian Trail, the average hiker starts putting together a kit by going to the local outfitters, looking at the Internet, or picking up a catalog and then builds a shopping list. After a few minutes of doing this however, the sticker shock for gear can set in and even put the unwary shopper in the hospital if they are not careful. The fact is the latest high tech gear can be VERY expensive, and even the little things that you may need backpacking can add up if you try and buy everything new. Add to that the fact that there is sometimes a belief (or maybe just an urge) that you need to start out on an adventure by completely outfitting yourself from the ground up (or rather from the boots up) in all new gear and clothing in order to have the hiker look and feel in all areas. If you are independently wealthy or have nothing better to do with your money stop reading now and go ahead and go to the nearest outfitter and let them load you up. But if you are looking to save some money for better things, then read on
...